Big Idea Series – Open

Week 3 – Open to the God Who Empowers

April 7 – April 13, 2019

Message Big Idea

When we are open to the Spirit, we will be empowered to do even greater things than Jesus did.

Scripture

Ephesians 1:18-21, John 14:8-14

Icebreaker

Share a time when you have experienced something powerful like a jet engine, a raging waterfall, or hurricane. How did it make you feel?

Opening Thought

We live in a world that resists anything that cannot be explained or understood. We have been taught to dismiss and disbelieve the supernatural. Yet, Jesus said we would do the things he did and even greater things. What do we risk missing out on if we’re not open to the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit?

  1. Read Ephesians 1:18-21. What stood out to you?
  2. Paul wants people to be aware of the hope, the glorious riches, and the power that comes from believing in God. In practical terms what do you think he means by “incomparably great power”?
  3. Does the knowledge that Paul wrote this while he was a prisoner, a situation lacking power, influence your understanding of the power Paul spoke of? Why or why not?
  4. Read John 14: 8-14. What stood out to you? What do you think Jesus meant by “even greater things”?

Life Application

  1. Imagine what it would look like for the Spirit to do something supernatural. In what sort of extraordinary ways do you need God to show up for you?
  2. How can you make yourself available to experiences where God’s power is manifested in supernatural ways? Does that idea make you uncomfortable? What do you need to let go of to have an open heart and mind?
  3. What role do you think persistence has in believing God will use you in powerful ways? How do you respond when you don’t see God moving in the way you imagined? How can waiting on God grow your faith, even when you don’t see him moving?
  4. In Open to the Spirit, Scot McKnight wrote: “If you are genuinely open to the Spirit, you will learn that you are open to a power unlike anything you’ve ever known…Many of us need to ponder why we are not more open to this kind of power. There is no reason to remain closed to it because the Bible speaks often of Spirit-prompted power and promises it to us.” What do you think of this quote?

Challenge

Spend the final minutes praying over the extraordinary ways the group needs God to show up that were shared earlier. Pray for God to work supernaturally. Pray that God will allow you to see and be a part of the supernatural work he is doing to bring wholeness and healing.